Page 15 of Phoenix Rising

She studied Becky. Her sandy hair was tied back in a short ponytail with bits springing free. It looked like Becky was also on her way home from work when she came upon her. Her tie was loose around her neck, and the top buttons of her navy shirt were already undone. Lucinda could see the creases by her eyes that told her she laughed a lot. Her features seemed so sharp, even in the evening light. The muscles of her arms and strong hands glinted in the soft light and Lucinda felt a shiver run through her as she imagined them on her body.

She was sure Becky would be able to lift her up in one hand.. if she wanted to.

"Does that make sense?" Becky asked.

"Hm? Yes, I think so."

"Ok, then." She handed Lucinda the wrench. "Tighten the bolts."

Lucinda looked at the tool blankly.

"I knew you weren't listening. You're lucky I like the sound of my own voice." Becky took back the wrench, her callouses scratching against Lucinda's soft skin. She positioned the tool on top of the tire. "Now you're gonna turn it."

Lucinda pressed against the tool and tightened the rest of the bolts. "How's that?"

"Could be worse."

Lucinda's face immediately fell.

Becky let out a loud warm laugh. "I'm joking, Doc. You did perfectly. Let me get this jack out, and you'll be good to go."

Lucinda stood as Becky finished. This was a different person than the one she had caught off guard yesterday. She thought Becky was going to be some gruff pain in the ass who wouldn't see anything from anybody else's point of view. But she wasn't. Lucinda wanted to fill up on her contagious joy and security.

"So what do I owe you for the emergency roadside assistance?" Lucinda leaned against her car.

"Seeing you all flustered was payment enough." Becky grinned, rubbing the grime off on her pants.

"God, that's embarrassing. I'm normally not such a..." She couldn't find the right word.

"Disaster?"

"Ouch."

"Don't worry. I liked it. Makes me seem more cool in comparison." Becky smirked.

Were they…flirting? Lucinda's heart fluttered. She could feel the flush warming her body at Becky's words.

Lucinda laughed. She couldn't remember the last time she had actually laughed, not just a polite chuckle to get her through small talk. "Yes because you seemed socoolspilling your coffee all over your desk yesterday."

Becky stood and leaned next to her. Her woodsy, vanilla scent was mixed with sweat and grass. "You didn't give me any time to prep for your arrival. I was busy with work."

"Busy googling me," Lucinda quipped.

"Yeah, like I said, work." Becky's eyes traced over Lucinda's eyes. Her cheeks. Her mouth.

Lucinda suddenly became very aware of their closeness. She laughed awkwardly and put some space between them. "Thank you. I really appreciate your kindness."

A look of disappointment crossed Becky's face,but it disappeared as quickly as it came. "It was no problem. Always happy to help."

She quickly cleaned up her tools, throwing them in the back of the Jeep. "If you need anything: taxi, tour guide or anything else—” Becky grinned, making Lucinda's stomach flip—"just let me know."

"We should probably get started on our proposal, yes?" she said frantically before Becky could make a move to get in her car.

"Tonight?" Becky raised an eyebrow.

"No, I mean, we'll still be seeing each other. For our...proposal." Lucinda couldn't be worse with words.

"How's lunch on Friday sound?"

---